Kitchen Cleaning Tips | Olive & Oak Cleaning

TIP 01

Clean a Stainless Steel Sink

01

For everyday residue, wash with a little detergent and warm water, then rinse and dry with a soft cloth.

02

Sprinkle baking soda into the wet sink. Gently scrub with the grain using a soft sponge or dishcloth, adding water as needed to make a paste. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.

Take careAvoid steel wool and chlorine bleach; both can damage stainless steel.

TIP 02

Remove Grease from Kitchen Cabinets

01

Start with a damp microfiber cloth and a small amount of liquid grease-cutting dish detergent (like Dawn). Wipe again with a clean damp cloth and dry.

02

For persistent buildup, try a cabinet-safe degreaser, following its dilution and contact-time instructions.

Take careTest inside a door first. Keep wood, seams and painted finishes from becoming saturated.

TIP 03

Clean Microwave Food Splatters

01

Wipe fresh spills with a damp cloth after the microwave cools. Remove and wash the turntable separately.

02

For dried splatters, warm a microwave-safe bowl of water until steamy. Let it stand and cool before carefully opening, then wipe the softened residue.

Take careDo not overheat water or use sealed containers. Avoid spraying cleaner into vents.

TIP 04

Remove Coffee Stains from Mugs

01

On plain glazed ceramic, rub gently with a damp cloth and a little baking soda, then wash and rinse well.

02

Alternatively, fill the mug with warm water and add a denture-cleaning tablet. Let it soak for the time directed on the package, then wash and rinse thoroughly.

Take careSkip abrasives on metallic trim, delicate decoration or scratched glaze. Never mix cleaning products.

TIP 05

Freshen a Garbage Disposal

01

Turn off power before removing the splash guard, if your model allows it. Scrub the guard with detergent and a brush, rinse and replace.

02

If your disposal’s manufacturer permits ice and citrus, freeze a few small pieces of orange peel in an ice cube tray filled with water. Turn on the cold water and disposal, then feed in a few cubes one at a time. Once ground, continue running cold water for 15–30 seconds.

Take careNever reach into the grinding chamber. Do not add drain cleaner or rely on citrus peels to remove buildup.

TIP 06

Clean Kitchen Counters Safely

A little dish detergent and water works for many counters, but the extras matter. Choose your material below for a household cleaning method and what to avoid.

Cleaning tips by countertop material

Granite & Marble

Mix a few drops of mild dish detergent into warm water. Wipe with a soft cloth, rinse with a clean damp cloth and dry to prevent a soapy film.

Take care: Skip vinegar, lemon and abrasive powders. Acids can etch marble and some other stones, and cleaners can affect sealers.

Soapstone

Wipe with warm water and a little mild dish detergent, then rinse with a clean damp cloth and dry.

Take care: Avoid rough scrubbers that can scratch this softer stone. Strong degreasers may strip an existing oil treatment and leave the color uneven.

Quartz & Engineered Stone

Wipe with warm water and a little mild dish detergent. For dried food, lay a damp cloth over the spot briefly, then lift the softened residue with a plastic scraper if the maker permits it.

Take care: Avoid oven cleaner, drain cleaner, abrasive pads and strong solvents. Disinfectant compatibility varies by brand; do not assume alcohol or bleach is suitable.

Laminate / Formica

Wipe with a damp cloth and mild dish detergent, then rinse and dry. For Formica laminate, another option is 1 tablespoon white vinegar mixed into 2 cups water; check the care guide for other brands.

Take care: Keep water out of seams and edges, where it can swell the material underneath. Avoid abrasive powders and scouring pads.

Butcher Block / Wood

Use a damp cloth with a little mild dish detergent. Wipe away soap with a clean damp cloth and dry promptly.

Take care: Do not soak the wood or leave puddles. Food-grade mineral oil conditions suitable oil-finished wood; it is not a cleaner and is not for every sealed finish.

Stainless Steel

Wipe with warm water and a little dish detergent, working with the grain. For a stubborn mark on an uncoated surface, try a small amount of baking soda mixed with water on a soft cloth, then rinse and dry.

Take care: Avoid chlorine bleach, steel wool and harsh scrubbers. Test baking soda first and skip it on coated or specialty finishes.

Care references: Natural Stone Institute, Cambria, Formica, John Boos and M. Teixeira Soapstone.

Take careThese are cleaning methods, not disinfection instructions. Check your countertop’s finish and care guide, and test a small hidden area before trying something new.